The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Four

A maid styles my hair into an elegant-braided bun as I sit at the vanity. Pinning my bangs to the side, she secures the style with a flower hair clip. Another maid helps me stand, dressing me in a light pink-cream gown with ruffled short sleeves.

The maids finish and finally leave the room—I take a breath of relief, unable to hide my pain any longer. Still affected by the lingering fear of revealing my pain to others—a fear the king and queen instilled in me—I quickly move to sit, wincing from the sharp pain that lingers in my shoulder and spine.

Just before I can catch a breath, the door knocks and a voice calls out.

"Lady Luna, I've brought your morning tea." Lance gently speaks.

Quickly straightening myself, I repress the pain that lingers again—wondering if I'll ever be truly at ease here.

"Come in." I call out, wearing a smile to cover my distress.

The door opens and Lance steps in, holding a tray.

"Good morning, Lady Luna." He smiles.
"Good morning."

Placing the tray down, he begins to set a small plate of snacks and teacup in front of me. As he begins to pour the tea, a sweet floral aroma hits my nose.

"Oh... Is this medicinal tea?" I ask, staring at the unfamiliar pale-yellow tea.
"No, my lady. I thought you'd be sick of drinking only herbal tea for the past week, so I've prepared apple linden tea. It's difficult to make so it should be reserved for the imperial family, but I thought it'd be nice for you to try. The doctor said it'll be fine to have some, but please note that your evening drinks will have to be medicinal tea again."
"I don't mind, the medicine doesn't taste bad. It's very kind to think of me though, it smells wonderful." I smile, gently lifting the cup to my nose.

Closing my eyes to admire the scent, I take a sip of the steaming tea feeling my body warm up instantly.
Suddenly, a vague image forms in my mind—flower petals floating gently through a warm breeze, enveloping around me like a soft barrier. The skies clear blue, the warm sun shining down upon fields of pink and white flowers as I dance with the gentle breeze.
The picture disappears as quick as it appeared, leaving behind a warmth and melancholy sensation.

I open my eyes surprised.

"How do you find it?" Lance asks, cautiously watching my reaction.

Shy from his watchful curious gaze, I lower my head giving a small nod.

"I-It's delicious... It tastes like a spring breeze..." I whisper, unable to help myself from smiling as I recall the warmth of that scenery.
"I'm glad it's to your liking." Lance chuckles, relieved as I savor the tea.

Taking my time to eat the sliced fruits, something catches my eye as I gaze out the window.

"Lance?" I call out.
"Yes, Lady Luna?"
"What's that tower over there?" I point past the garden, to a tall cylindrical building with a semi-sphere roof.
"Oh, that's the golden palace's library."

My eyes shoot back to Lance with excitement, until I wince from the sharp pain in my neck.

"M-My lady! Please be careful moving around!" Lance exclaims, worriedly looking at me.
"I-I'm okay, I'm sorry. I just got a bit excited." I stammer, embarrassed for forgetting my decorum.

Feeling jittery, I struggle to sit still as I muster the courage to ask.

"Um... Would it be okay if I visited the library?"
"Oh, well..." Lance trails off in an awkward tone.
"I-I'm sorry, it's inappropriate for me to go, isn't it?" My body tenses, realizing my question made Lance scowl.
"Not at all! My lady, there's no issue with you going. It's just..."
"Just what?"
"Well, no one has entered it in years..."
"Oh? Why has no one gone? It's full of books, is it not?"
"There's many books, but when ladies began arriving into his majesty's harem, it became neglected... The other ladies aren't ones who are too interested in reading."
"Then how else do they occupy themselves?" I ask, dumbfounded.
"They hold gatherings and participate in society. Once they became concubines, their main focus became increasing their reputations and serving his imperial majesty."
"Oh... You're right, I have duties to fulfill... I guess I shouldn't go." I mumble, feeling sad as I think about the similarities of my new life.

Just as the harsh reality of my past begins to emerge, Lance clears his throat before giving a gentle smile as if realizing where my thoughts were heading to.

"Although, if you ask, the maids will clean it—only if it's an order from you." He gently informs.
"I couldn't possibly order anything! I... I'm just a belonging to the imperial majesty..." Avoiding his eyes, I look to my lap as I dejectedly shake my head.
"Lady Luna, I should clarify... You may be a part of his majesty's harem, but he would never call for a lady who doesn't seek him out first."
"W-What do you mean?" I look back at him, confused by his words.

Cautiously kneeling, he kindly smiles as he places a hand on his chest.

"His imperial majesty doesn't see the need to enter a lady's chamber without her permission or invite, so you will never be forced to do anything you do not consent with. Please believe me when I say, his majesty ordered his harem to be treated the same as how we would treat an esteemed guest, and you will always be served as such." Lance looks back at me with unwavering eyes.

Taken aback by his sincere tone, my worries seem to fade as relief washes over me. Giving a slight nod, his words repeat in my mind as I try to believe that I'm safe here.

"That being said, Lady Luna, do you wish for the library to be cleaned?" He asks, smiling innocently.

I bite my lip—conflicted as I look back at his earnest gaze—questioning if I can really trust him.

'Is it okay to be selfish?'
The thought quickly enters my mind.

Lance's eyes only resonate a kind demeanor—the same kindness he always showed me. Wanting to believe in the caring man before me, I give a small nod.

"Yes, please have it cleaned... I'd also love some books of the empire's politics and mythologies brought to me for now—I-If that's okay?" I speak, still hesitant as I gauge his reaction.
"Of course, Lady Luna." Giving a pleased nod, Lance soon exits the room upon hearing my request.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I gaze at the clear skies.
Reflecting over the days I've spent here—all the servants have been kind and thoughtful and I've been well fed. Even the overwhelming-terrifying duties I know a concubine should provide to the emperor—all those worries seem to vanish as Lance's earnest words lift the weight off my shoulders.

Days pass as I occupy the sofa in my bedroom, happily reading the books that Lance and other help frequently bring.

"My lady?" Lance calls out.

Looking towards the door, I see him stand by the door.

"I knocked several times, but you didn't answer. I assume you couldn't hear me, since you're wrapped up in your books." Lance lightly laughs, amused.
"Oh, my apologies! It's just amazing, I haven't read any of these before so it's very fun to read!" I slowly stand, feeling my body's strength return.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to introduce you to someone." Lance smiles.
"Who is it?" I ask curiously.

A girl dressed in a clean maid's uniform enters the room upon Lance's signal. Her light brown hair tied into a ponytail and her large hazelnut eyes looking back at me nervously but excited.

"This is Magnolia, she'll be your personal maid from now on." Lance introduces.

Magnolia curtsies and brightly smiles.

"Hello! I promise I'll be good use to you." She politely speaks.
"Hello, I'm Luna. May I ask how old you are?"
"I'm thirteen, my lady."
"That's very young! I hope you won't be too tired from working."
"I'll be okay, my lady! I promise I'm a very hard worker!"
"Well, I'm happy to be in your care." I smile back at her.

"His majesty will be returning soon and so I must return to the royal palace. Until then, Magnolia will be taught under my guidance to ensure you're taken care of." Lance explains, giving a gentle smile.
"I won't see you around then?" I pout, disappointed as I realize how close I felt with Lance.
"You'll see me time to time, but I'm afraid not daily. I must return to serving the emperor."
"I understand. I'm grateful to have had your help, so thank you." I curtsy, giving him a soft smile.
"The pleasure was all mine, Lady Luna." Lance places his hand on his chest, bowing his head as he smiles back.

Weeks pass by after the emperor returned to the palace. Magnolia has been kind and working diligently just as Lance did.
I sit back and watch the clouds float through the sky with ease.

"Lady Luna, would you like your mid-day tea and another book?" Magnolia asks.
"Yes, that sounds wonderful. Thank you, Maggie." I speak.

Smiling brightly, she curtsies before leaving the room.
The moment I'm alone, I can't help but sigh as I place my hand on my heart. The silence making all the feelings return, I question what this strange uneasiness could be from.

"I feel calm, so where is this coming from?" I whisper, closing my eyes as I try to reflect on my feelings.